Edward VII Coronation Model Half Farthing

Commemorative issue
Coronation of Edward VII

Obverse
Uncrowned bust facing right

Script: Latin

Lettering: EDWARDUS VII DEI GRATIA REX

Engraver: George William de Saulles

Reverse
St. George and dragon

Script: Latin

Lettering:
·CORONATION MODEL·
HALF FARTHING
1902

Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci

Mint
Ludwig Christian Lauer, Nuremberg, Germany (1790-1924)

Choice Uncirculated with lustre

Model farthings were unofficial “trial” pieces produced by coin manufacturers to advertise the quality of the products they were manufacturing. They were also in some cases intended as a suggestion for possible future coin designs.

Many of the official trial pieces, or the scarcer varieties can command a premium and are extremely collectable due to the lower mintages involved. There were however a few series produced that were more common and can be readily found and collected. Due to the unusual designs, sizes and denominations their origin and purpose tends to cause confusion.